The Characteristics of Non-Retinal Lesions in the Ultra-Wide Field Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope Image

PURPOSE: To evaluate various types and; characteristics of non-retinal lesions associated with ultra-wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope images. METHODS: This retrospective study included 139 eyes of 139 patients with non-retinal lesions observed on color images obtained using Optomap 200Tx (Optos PLC, Dunfermline, Scotland, UK). The non-retinal lesion is a hyperreflective or hyporeflective shadow due to anterior segment of the eye or vitreous except the retina. Types and characteristics of red laser separation, green laser separation and autofluorescence images of non-retinal lesions were evaluated. RESULTS: All non-retinal lesions in images were categorized into 2 groups according to the location of non-retinal lesions. The anterior non-retinal lesions group included corneal opacity, cataract and posterior capsular opacity. The posterior non-retinal lesions group included asteroid hyalosis, posterior vitreous detachment, vitreous opacity and vitreous hemorrhage. Anterior non-retinal lesions were more often hyporeflective in red and green laser separation images (p < 0.001). Posterior non-retinal lesions were more often hyperreflective in green laser separation images and hyporeflective in red laser separation images (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-wide field scanning laser ophthalmoscope images can frequently have various shadows from anterior or posterior lesions of the eye. These shadows show a difference in reflectivity depending on their origins. To understand the difference helps in the interpretation of the fundus images.

Analysis of Upper Eyelid Fat Pad Changes with Aging and Body Mass Index in Korean

PURPOSE: To evaluate differential changes in the central and nasal fat pads of the upper eyelid associated with aging and the effect of body mass index in Koreans. METHODS: Using a standardized scale, the volume grade of the central and nasal fat pads was graded from 0 to 3 (0 for depressed, 1 for flat, 2 for mildly protruded, and 3 for markedly protruded) in normal adults, consisting of 20 males and 20 females from 30 years of age to 80 years of age. The body mass index was calculated for every patient through interviews using their height and weight. Statistical evaluations correlating age and body mass index with central and nasal fat pad changes were performed. Statistical evaluations correlating age with fat pad changes except for the effect of body mass index were performed. RESULTS: Except for the effect of body mass index, the central fat pad increased (r = -0.176, p = 0.007) and nasal fat pad decreased (r = 0.252, p < 0.001) with aging, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: With aging, the central fat pad increases and nasal fat pad decreases in the upper eyelid. Clinically, this finding has implications in cosmetic and functional upper eyelid blepharoplasty. In addition, the results may be useful to determine whether to conserve or remove the fat as well as the amount of fat removal during upper blepharoplasty.

Prevalence and Identification of Rotaviruses in Stool Specimens of Patients with Acute Diarrhea from Several Regions of Korea

PURPOSES: Rotaviruses are the main cause of infantile diarrheal diseases worldwide. The purpose of this study is to obtain epidemiologic data of rotavirus infections in Korea. METHODS: Stool specimens were collected from 150 patients with acute diarrheal symptoms, who were admitted to Yonsei Medical Center and Chungbuk National University Hospital. After isolating the virus from the specimens, the viruses were identified as rotaviruses by electron microscope and fluorescent microscope after staining with rotavirus VP6-specific monoclonal antibody. RNA was extracted from the specimens by modified phenol/chloroform method. Electropherotying was done with extracted RNA samples after silver staining of the gels. Rotavirus serotyping was done using commercial serotyping ELISA kit. RESULTS: Rate of infection from rotavirus stool samples was 60%. Isolated rotaviruses were all serogroup A and a majority(46.0%) of these viruses were long type. Serotypes 1 and 2 were identified with serotype 1 being the majority(52.2%). There were no differences in these types between 1991 and 1992, and also between Seoul and Cheongju area. CONCLUSION: Electropherotype of rotavirus epidemic in Korea was serogroup A, and long type in the majority. Serotypes of rotavirus epidemic in Korea were type 1 and type 2. These results show that the rotavirus reassortant vaccine developed in America could also handle the rotaviral disease in Korea.